The Slab Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 7,000 ft | 2,134 m |
GPS: |
39.9629, -105.287 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 141,975 total · 468/month | |
Shared By: | Anonymous Coward on Nov 29, 1999 | |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Access Issue: 2024 Crag Closures & Temporary Trail and Raptor Closures
Details
The usual crags are closed for climbing for raptor nesting:
See: bouldercolorado.gov/service….
Click here for the trail closures. Some are M-F, some are 24/7. These impact the Bear Canyon/Fern Canyon regions primarily:
flatironsclimbing.org/tempo…
Click here bouldercolorado.gov/service… for the latest in raptor closures.
See: bouldercolorado.gov/service….
Click here for the trail closures. Some are M-F, some are 24/7. These impact the Bear Canyon/Fern Canyon regions primarily:
flatironsclimbing.org/tempo…
Click here bouldercolorado.gov/service… for the latest in raptor closures.
Description
The slab is the widest (broadest) chunk of stone in the Flatirons with endless possibilites for 5.3-5.6 slabmongering on its expansive, 500-foot-tall east face. It sits in a pleasant location at the mouth of Fern Canyon and offers great views to the east and south from its summit ridge.
In addition, the north and west faces are host to a handful of great sport routes in the 5.11+ to 5.12 range on steep, bomber stone. Bouldering possibilities can be found in the trees below and to the south and west of the slab.
To descend the east face routes, scramble south along the crest of The Slab until it's possible to either downclimb or execute a short rappel from a prominent notch near the terminus of the crest.
In addition, the north and west faces are host to a handful of great sport routes in the 5.11+ to 5.12 range on steep, bomber stone. Bouldering possibilities can be found in the trees below and to the south and west of the slab.
To descend the east face routes, scramble south along the crest of The Slab until it's possible to either downclimb or execute a short rappel from a prominent notch near the terminus of the crest.
Getting There
The most direct approach to the slab is via the North Shanahan Ridge Trail. Drive west on Table Mesa from Broadway and turn left (south) on Lehigh. Drive most of the way up the hill and turn right on Cragmoor, which dead ends after two blocks.
Park in the dead end and follow a trail west and uphill to the mesa above you. From here, continue west 20-30 minutes along the very wide North Shanahan Ridge Trail, passing a junction with the Mesa Trail en route. The Slab rears up ahead of you the further west you go; if you descend north into a gully you've just passed it!
For the east face routes cut left (south) off the main trail onto a climber's path through the ferns. To access the north and west sides, continue along the Shanahan Ridge Trail another 2 minutes (thru the gully) until you hit the Fern Canyon Trail. Follow this up and steeply west for 3-4 minutes until it makes sense to head south (left) across a talus-filled bench to reach the routes.
Park in the dead end and follow a trail west and uphill to the mesa above you. From here, continue west 20-30 minutes along the very wide North Shanahan Ridge Trail, passing a junction with the Mesa Trail en route. The Slab rears up ahead of you the further west you go; if you descend north into a gully you've just passed it!
For the east face routes cut left (south) off the main trail onto a climber's path through the ferns. To access the north and west sides, continue along the Shanahan Ridge Trail another 2 minutes (thru the gully) until you hit the Fern Canyon Trail. Follow this up and steeply west for 3-4 minutes until it makes sense to head south (left) across a talus-filled bench to reach the routes.
Classic Climbing Routes at The Slab
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Weather Averages
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